China's probes spark demand for risk consulting amid defaults

Hong Kong

CHINESE President Xi Jinping's anti- graft drive is fuelling demand for risk consulting among investors in the nation's corporate debt after defaults tied to probes. That's buoying business for consultancy Kroll.

"If you didn't do your homework, now you are paying for it," said Violet Ho, senior managing director in Hong Kong for the US firm. More investors are asking for in-depth research, including trying to identify companies' hidden assets, Ms Ho said. Kroll's team travels across China to conduct discreet conversations with employees, suppliers and business partners to check firms' real financial health.

Dye-and-paint maker Yabang Investment Holding Group Co defaulted on 215.9 million yuan (S$46.5 million) in bond principal and interest due on Feb 9 after its chairman's help in an investigation crimped financing. Future Land Development Holding…